Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Norfolk moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Norfolk, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Charleston to Norfolk.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
Movers in West Virginia charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,072 – $3,289 | $632 – $1,532 | $375 – $670 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,909 – $5,025 | $1,168 – $2,304 | $369 – $810 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,956 – $7,183 | $1,533 – $2,719 | $482 – $915 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Norfolk
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Norfolk, you can expect to spend between $1,072 and $3,289. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,909 to $5,025 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Norfolk typically runs between $2,956 and $7,183.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Norfolk
When moving from Charleston to Norfolk, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $632 and $1,532. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,168 to $2,304. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,533 up to $2,719. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Norfolk
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Norfolk. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $375 and $670. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $369 and $810. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $482 and $915.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Norfolk
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,442, but larger homes can run up to $6,094.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($375–$842) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Norfolk
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Norfolk runs about 79% higher for singles and 44% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,769 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $5,552 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $2,492 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 5.75% |
- As you consider relocating to Norfolk, note that rent can be roughly 71% more expensive than it is in Charleston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 85% higher in Norfolk than in Charleston.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 7% higher in Norfolk compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person is 79% more than in Charleston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Norfolk, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 44% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 18% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 14% lower in Norfolk than in Charleston. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Norfolk can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 12% lower in Virginia compared to West Virginia. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Norfolk:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $49.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Norfolk
| Charleston | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 238,005 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 47 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 58.1 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 41.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk’s population is about 396% greater than Charleston.
- Norfolk’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Norfolk is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Norfolk is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Norfolk’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.1 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 41.9 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Norfolk move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Virginia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Norfolk smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Norfolk
Now that you’ve chosen Norfolk as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- Newtown
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it’s time to see what Norfolk is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Norfolk offers cultural landmarks like the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, and MacArthur Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)Old Dominion University (Football)Old Dominion University (Basketball)Norfolk State University (Football)Norfolk State University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Norfolk are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Norfolk take?
A move of 408 miles from Charleston, WV to Norfolk, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Norfolk is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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